Topic by J. Unruh

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Topic: OT2 - Holzhey-Organ Neresheim 1798 Max Reger: Ach bleib

Max Reger (1873-1916) was a prominent German composer, organist and conductor. He lived and worked for many years in Weiden and Munich, and as university music director and professor in Leipzig (Germany). He composed many famous organ works in the style of the late Romantic period and early modernism. Sadly, he died very young at the age of 43.
The chorale prelude ‘Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade’ (Opus 135a, No. 1) is a very personal and artfully crafted organ piece. Max Reger treats the melody by Melchior Vulpius (1570–1615) in a restrained style. The composition features the polyphonic voice leading typical of Reger. The imploring and consoling character of the sacred song is emphasised by the modulations and distinctive harmonies. The work is also used as a prelude to Hymn No. 144 in the hymn book of the New Apostolic Church.

Holzhey-Organ - Neresheim 1798: Organteq 2
J. Unruh

We recorded this piece a few years ago. We are now presenting this new recording, accompanied by an improved video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-CtOJdYWe0

All of our music recordings can be seen at:
https://www.youtube.com/@Praeludium.Opus1

Reply by Pianoteqenthusiast

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Re: OT2 - Holzhey-Organ Neresheim 1798 Max Reger: Ach bleib

J. Unruh wrote:

Max Reger (1873-1916) was a prominent German composer, organist and conductor. He lived and worked for many years in Weiden and Munich, and as university music director and professor in Leipzig (Germany). He composed many famous organ works in the style of the late Romantic period and early modernism. Sadly, he died very young at the age of 43.
The chorale prelude ‘Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade’ (Opus 135a, No. 1) is a very personal and artfully crafted organ piece. Max Reger treats the melody by Melchior Vulpius (1570–1615) in a restrained style. The composition features the polyphonic voice leading typical of Reger. The imploring and consoling character of the sacred song is emphasised by the modulations and distinctive harmonies. The work is also used as a prelude to Hymn No. 144 in the hymn book of the New Apostolic Church.

Holzhey-Organ - Neresheim 1798: Organteq 2
J. Unruh

We recorded this piece a few years ago. We are now presenting this new recording, accompanied by an improved video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-CtOJdYWe0

All of our music recordings can be seen at:
https://www.youtube.com/@Praeludium.Opus1



Thank you for playing this beautiful Reger prelude. This was soothing to listen to.  What did you use for solo stop? Nice tremolo.

I read that Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade (No. 1) is the opening piece of Max Reger's Thirty Little Chorale Preludes (Dreißig kleine Choralvorspiele), Op. 135a for organ.

Always learning new things in this forum. Thank you Unruh.

Best wishes.

Stig

Reply by carmelo.paolucci

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Re: OT2 - Holzhey-Organ Neresheim 1798 Max Reger: Ach bleib

J. Unruh wrote:

Max Reger (1873-1916) was a prominent German composer, organist and conductor. He lived and worked for many years in Weiden and Munich, and as university music director and professor in Leipzig (Germany). He composed many famous organ works in the style of the late Romantic period and early modernism. Sadly, he died very young at the age of 43.
The chorale prelude ‘Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade’ (Opus 135a, No. 1) is a very personal and artfully crafted organ piece. Max Reger treats the melody by Melchior Vulpius (1570–1615) in a restrained style. The composition features the polyphonic voice leading typical of Reger. The imploring and consoling character of the sacred song is emphasised by the modulations and distinctive harmonies. The work is also used as a prelude to Hymn No. 144 in the hymn book of the New Apostolic Church.

Holzhey-Organ - Neresheim 1798: Organteq 2
J. Unruh

We recorded this piece a few years ago. We are now presenting this new recording, accompanied by an improved video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-CtOJdYWe0

All of our music recordings can be seen at:
https://www.youtube.com/@Praeludium.Opus1

Dear Unruh,

Discover the profound beauty of Max Reger’s late Romantic style. The chorale prelude ‘Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade’ (Opus 135a, No. 1) is an artfully crafted, deeply personal piece that showcases Reger’s masterful polyphonic voice leading and unique harmonies.
Great performance
Greetings from Italy
Carmelo

Reply by J. Unruh

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Re: OT2 - Holzhey-Organ Neresheim 1798 Max Reger: Ach bleib

Hello Stig,
Thank you very much for listening and for your kind words. Reger composed a great deal of beautiful organ music. Unfortunately, his major organ works are very demanding to perform. I used the following stops for the recording:

HW: Flute traversiere 8' + Cylindrical Quinta 2 2/3 + Tremulant
RP: Bourdon 8'
Ped: Bourdon 16'
Coupler: RP/Ped.

Best regards,
J. Unruh

Reply by J. Unruh

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Re: OT2 - Holzhey-Organ Neresheim 1798 Max Reger: Ach bleib

Hello Carmelo,
Thank you very much for listening and for your kind comment. It is remarkable that Reger composed such a beautiful prelude – one that is also easy to perform.
Best regards,
J. Unruh

Reply by budo

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Re: OT2 - Holzhey-Organ Neresheim 1798 Max Reger: Ach bleib

very beautiful performance J. Unruh!  it was such a simple yet compelling piece.  and i really like this choice of organ model.

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